July 1, 2016

Highlighted Year: Nick Collins, 2008

Safety, Green
Bay Packers

Age: 25

4th
season in pro football & with Packers

College: Bethune-Cookman

Height: 5’11”Weight: 200

Prelude:

Collins
started at both safety positions in college and was an All-Mid-Eastern Athletic
Conference selection in 2004 when he intercepted 6 passes and was credited with
54 tackles. He was chosen by the Packers in the second round of the 2005 NFL
draft and, with the departure of Darren Sharper due to contract issues, Collins
moved directly into the starting lineup at free safety. With good speed and
work ethic, he grew into the role and was credited with 84 tackles and two
forced fumbles along with one interception. Collins picked off three passes in 2006,
one of which he returned for a touchdown, and his play continued to improve.

Packers went 6-10
to finish third in the NFC North while tying the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the
conference lead in interceptions (22).

Aftermath:

Collins
followed up his outstanding 2008 season by gaining second-team All-NFL honors
from the Associated Press as well as selection to the Pro Bowl in each of the
next two years while intercepting a total of 10 passes. He also scored a TD on
an interception return in the Super Bowl XLV win over Pittsburgh following the
2010 season. However, a serious neck injury suffered in the second week of 2011
not only ended his season but cut short his career. Overall, he started 95
games, all with the Packers, and intercepted 21 passes that he returned for 507
yards and four touchdowns. He was a three-time AP second-team All-NFL selection
and was chosen for as many Pro Bowls.

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Highlighted Years features players who were first-team
All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following
statistical categories: